Pink ribbon placards placed among autumn leaves set the stage for the Walk for Women fundraiser Saturday, Oct. 10. Approximately 50 participants “took a step against breast cancer” along the West Williamson flood wall at the Southern West Virginia Community College campus. The Walk for Women fundraiser drummed up approximately $2,500 to be donated towards the cause.

Shirley Hinkle of Lenore and Dianna Dean of Verner walked in the event as survivors of breast cancer. Hinkle, 61, was diagnosed in 2002 with the disease and received treatment throughout that year. Dean, 52, was diagnosed in 1998 and and survived cervical cancer as well. Dean helped raise $650 for the fundraiser through local businesses and churches.

“I feel it’s a privilege and an honor to be here,” said Dean at the walk. “I’m very passionate about this having survived it and feel it’s my obligation to help.”

Breast cancer is among the top ten leading causes of death among women according to 2005 reports from the Center of Disease Control. One in seven women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and one in thirty-three will die from the disease. Breast cancer is very treatable if diagnosed early.

The West Virginia Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Program offers free pap test and mammograms for women who qualify for the program. Women over age 25 who have low incomes, no health insurance, are underinsured or have high deductibles may qualify. For more information, visit the program’s Web site at www.wvdhhr.org/bccsp or call (800) 642-8522.

Brenda Harlow, Cancer Information Specialist of Marshall University helped organize the event along with committee members, Kathy Thompson, Amy Martin, Wilma Jean Martin, and Pristine Warren.